Congratulations to the August Class of 2024
On Thursday, August 15, Baptist Health Sciences University held a summer commencement ceremony at Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee. President, Dr. T. Hampton Hopkins, conferred associate and bachelor’s degrees to 36 graduates in the programs of Pre-Health Studies, Biomedical Sciences, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Administration, Public Health, Medical Radiography, Neurodiagnostic Technology, Nursing, and Respiratory Care.
Dr. Hopkins recognized special honors including graduates for magna cum laude, summa cum laude and cum laude.
Mrs. Beverly Jordan, chair of the board of directors, presented the Board of Directors Award to neurodiagnostic technology graduate, Cedteanna Maybell. This award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership skills, commitment to community services, commitment to Christian principles, and potential for leadership in the health care professions.
Ms. Sherita Martin, director of development for the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation, presided over the following awards: Elizabeth Farnell Achievement Award, Joseph H. Powell Award, and the Sarah Ainsworth Award.
The Elizabeth Farnell Achievement Award was presented to nursing graduate, Zaneta Cotton. This award is named in memory of Miss Elizabeth Farnell, Vice President of Nursing for Baptist Memorial Hospital from 1971 to 1991. This award was established by her colleagues to honor the many contributions of Miss Farnell to the nursing profession during her 20 years of service. The recipient of this award has attained the highest cumulative grade point average among entry into practice nursing graduates.
The Joseph H. Powell Award was presented to biomedical sciences graduate, Ermya Thompson. The award honors Mr. Powell, former Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Memorial Hospital and Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation. Mr. Powell provided a noteworthy legacy of leadership in health care and community service. The recipient of this award has demonstrated outstanding academic performance and the potential for advanced study in the health sciences.
The Sarah Ainsworth Award was also presented to Ermya Thompson. Established by a gift from her husband, Jim, this award honors the dedication and commitment Mrs. Ainsworth made to helping her students learn and grow as health care professionals. The recipient demonstrates leadership potential, commitment to Christian values, and is ranked in the top 25% of the graduating class.
Dr. Cathy Stepter, dean of nursing, presented the Sigma Theta Tau’s Student Achievement Award to nursing graduate, Jaren G. Davis. The Student Achievement Award conferred by Sigma Theta Tau, Beta Theta At-Large Chapter, is given to a nursing graduate selected by faculty who has demonstrated qualities important to the mission of this great organization and shown leadership qualities in the classroom and clinical settings. Sigma Theta Tau, International, is the National Honor Society of Nursing and is the second largest nursing organization in the world.
2024 Honors Scholar
On August 13, 2024, nursing scholar, Kristen Shaw was recognized at Baptist Health Sciences University’s Honors Medallion Ceremony. The Honors Medallion Ceremony recognizes the accomplishments of graduating Honors students. Shaw presented and defended her Honors Capstone Experience Projects on The Impact of COVID-19 on the Healthcare System.
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Congratulations, graduates! On behalf of Baptist Health Sciences University and the Alumni Association, it is our pleasure to officially welcome you to our team of alumni. You are a special part of our BHSU family, a connection that will remain with you for the rest of your life. As you begin your journey in your career, please know that you have a tremendous amount of support surrounding you. We wish you the very best and continued success in the fulfillment of your calling. Keep us updated at [email protected].